Talking about advice is a topic that is often reported as being in the test.
Below you will find some Part 1 questions about your hometown – followed by Part 2 and 3 questions about advice.
Before you read the conversation, test your vocabulary by downloading this free PDF quiz and completing the blanks with the supplied words.
Part 1-style questions
Examiner: What kind of place is your hometown?
Candidate: I come from a sleepy little town called Clitheroe. It’s quite rural, so there’s not so much going on there – but I like to think it’s up and coming!
Examiner: What would you recommend a tourist do in your hometown?
Candidate: If you’re the adventurous kind, you should climb Pendle Hill. The summit is 1,827 feet above sea level, so you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the town and the Norman keep. Or if you’d rather make a more stately excursion, there’s a lovely path along the river bank.
Examiner: What advice would you give to someone moving to your hometown?
Candidate: A perk of living in Clitheroe is that independent business is thriving. You won’t find any chain pubs! So I’d recommend touring the town centre: you can window-shop in the boutiques, sample local treats from an artisan bakery and round off your afternoon in one of several craft beer bars.
Part 2
Describe a time when you received some useful advice.
You should say:
- what the situation was
- who gave you the advice
- what the advice was
and explain why it was so important to you.
Candidate:
About three years ago I started to practise playing chess. I used to play the occasional game at primary school but never took it seriously. Over the last few years, I’ve been reading books, learning openings and advancing my skills – but I still have a lot to learn.
I received some excellent advice in a game recently. I was playing a local champion – he was a tough opponent! A friend pointed out that one of my pieces was vulnerable, so I should move quickly to counter the other guy’s strategy. My friend’s advice was to respond by advancing on my opponent’s King.
That was the turning point of the game, and it was an easy win from there on in.
Part 3-style questions
Examiner: What kind of advice do parents usually give to their children? [Evaluate]
Candidate: The kind of advice you get as a child depends on their parenting style. The more laid-backkind might tell their kids to get out there and experience the world, and the more uptight sort are more likely to tell them to be more careful.
Examiner: Do you agree it’s part of a teachers job (to give advice to his or her students? [Agree/Disagree]
Candidate: Undoubtedly! Teachers are there to guide their students. For some teachers, the students are their proteges.
Examiner: Do you think people who give advice should have special training? [Suggest]
Candidate: It’s an interesting idea – and for some people it will be a contentious one. I don’t think it’s necessary; it would be too difficult to implement.
Definitions for IELTS Achievement Vocabulary
Part 1
Rural – in the countryside
Up and coming – will soon be well known
Summit – the highest point of a hill or mountain
Keep – castle
Stately – slow
Excursion – trip, visit or holiday
Bank (river) – the sides of a river
Perk (noun) – advantage or benefit
Thriving – growing
Chain (shops, pubs) – several similar businesses or destinations owned by one company
Window-shop – to look through the windows of shops, rather than entering and buying something
Boutique – a small, independent shop, usually selling expensive and/or unique items
Artisan – made with skill, usually by hand
Craft (alcohol) – produced in small quantities by a small, independent company
Part 2
Champion – somebody who is the best at what they do
Opponent – the person you are playing against
Pointed out – showed or identified
Vulnerable – in danger or needs help
Turning point – when something changes in an important way
Part 3
Parenting – being a parent
Laid-back – relaxed
Uptight – anxious, not relaxed
Undoubtedly – certain
Protege – somebody who is helped by an older or more experienced person
Contentious – something people are likely to disagree on
Implement (verb) – make something happen
Practice Your IELTS Achievement/Goal Vocabulary
Record yourself answering this question and send it to us for professional feedback.
Our feedback is based on the official IELTS Speaking Descriptors and will give you precise information on how to improve.
We will publish the details of this service and its prices soon. In the meantime, you can contact us here if you would like to be one of the first.
Return from IELTS Advice Vocabulary to IELTS vocabulary home page